Simpson Desert Crossing in the D4

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Originally Posted by Turtle60

Thanks for the imput and have researched this topic to the Nenth degree. Thats the track for sure and Thats why we have the lightest off road trailer we can get which removes what I think is probably 300 kgs of the back axle but accept we are towing 1.2 tons in total. A mate has just done this trip with an D4 towing a Kimberley van (2T) and had no issue but I accept conditions and tracks can change quickly. But the deal breaker is no camper the wife won’t entertain going. Mmmmm. Nah. I totally agree with the ease of single car camping for travel but everything is a trade off. I think Scott you had a great set up and would do that in a heart beat so all’s not lost yet. Thanks to all for your learned, been there done that, knowledge. Apologies to you Scott if my question derailed what was an excellent post of your adventures. Cheers

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No worries mate, hope it goes well and the wife is happy. Happy wife = happy life.
My wife swagged on a stretcher (what a trooper!), but now we have a flash camper so we won't be taking that over big dunes.
I think it depends a lot on what traffic has been over the route before you and if it has been dug up by yobbos.

Hi
Just to throw my 2 bobs worth.
I have crossed Simpson twice in D4, 2016 & 2017, both direction and towed both times, second time with Patriot Camper.
Yes, it would be easier without but we managed fine.
I found you needed a lot of momentum to get up difficult dunes, but the trailer also pushed you over crest.
It made some dunes difficult if there was a tight turn at top of dune as trailer wanted to push you straight ahead so you need to be prepared for that, feel what the trailer is doing, so to speak.
The trailer did get thrown around on rough dunes.
All in all, no real issues, just more momentum.

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Originally Posted by LRD414

Links to trip report (including map):
Simpson Desert by D4 .... or
https://scotthumphris4.wixsite.com/trips/single-post/2018/09/03/SIMPSON-DESERT-Aug-2018-Part-1


It is a Tyre Trek, made in Toowoomba
Tyre Trek, 4WD, Rear Bar, Tyre Carrier, Jerry Can Holder, Tow Bar Mounted Tyre Carrier, Swing Away Mounted Tyre Carrier, 4WD Accessories, Australian Made

Cheers,
Scott

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That Tyre Trek carrier looks brilliant! Can I ask how much it cost?
I assume it blocks the rear sensors and camera?

Hi Scott,

a fantastic report, just the thread I was looking for. We are getting ready now for our trip departing 14th May, our crossing is
Birdsville to Poeppel Corner
Poeppel Corner - Dalhousie Springs
Dalhousie Springs - Mt Dare (refuel)
back to Birdsville via the WWA Line

Reading your report I'm a bit happier regarding fuel consumption as we have the stock standard D4 fuel tank and I have 4x 10 ltr fuel cans to carry on the roof. I'm interested in the water bladder, does it just sit on the floor and is easy to use? and taking the seats out as its only my wife and I so we could lose the 115KG. Are the seats hard to take out?

Cheers
Peter

Hi Peter. The bladder is great, easy to use because it’s supplied with a hose and tap as well as breather hose. Just sits on floor on a piece of marine carpet. It is contained/safe because of the platform I installed in place of the seats, no way for bladder to escape. Seats are simple to remove, one at a time, and the platform utilises same bolts.

I would suggest carrying at least 50L in jerrys in case you have to turn back or go further than Mt Dare, like we did last year (thru to Oodnadatta due to road closed to Mt Dare).

See also my build thread in Members Ride section for details.

Cheers,
Scott

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Originally Posted by LRD414

It was a brilliant trip and the D4 was a fantastic way to do it.

Cheers,
Scott

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Great read - trip looked awesome!
Thanks for sharing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LRD414

I would suggest carrying at least 50L in jerrys in case you have to turn back or go further than Mt Dare, like we did last year (thru to Oodnadatta due to road closed to Mt Dare).



Cheers,
Scott

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Yes,I took three so around 60 litres to be sure.I think from memory two would have done.